Integrated Resource Plan Archive

After more than two years of development, TVA has completed its Integrated Resource Plan titled TVA's Energy and Environmental Future. This plan and the associated Environmental Impact Statement are the result of extensive analysis and collaboration with TVA partners and stakeholders.

The Integrated Resource Plan supports TVA's comprehensive mission of service, which includes meeting the electric power needs of its customers in a reliable, affordable and sustainable manner. The plan identifies the resources that will be needed to satisfy expected energy demand in the Tennessee Valley region over the next 20 years. It is consistent with TVA's Environmental Policy and it supports TVA's renewed vision to be one of the nation's leading providers of low-cost and cleaner energy by 2020.

The Integrated Resource Plan will equip TVA to meet its customers' needs effectively while addressing the substantial challenges that face the electric utility industry. The planning direction it recommends will give TVA flexibility to make sound choices amid economic and regulatory uncertainty. This recommended planning direction balances costs, energy efficiency and reliability, environmental responsibility and competitive prices for customers. Components of the recommended planning direction include:

Component

Guideline MW Range

Window of Time

Recommendations

EEDR

3,600-5,100
(11,400-14,400 GWh)

By 20201

Expand contributions of EEDR in the portfolio

Renewable additions

1,500-2,5002

By 20201

Pursue cost effective renewable energy

Coal-fired capacity idled

2,400-4,7003

By 2017

Consider increasing amount of coal-fired capacity idled

Energy storage

8504

2020-2024

Add pumped-storage capacity

Nuclear additions

1,150-5,9005

2013-2029

Increase contribution of nuclear generation

Coal additions

0-9006

2025-2029

Preserve option of generation with carbon capture

Natural gas additions

900-9,3007

2012-2029

Utilize natural gas as an intermediate supply source

1 – This range includes EEDR savings achieved through 2010. The 2020 range for EEDR and renewable energy does not preclude further investment in these resources during the following decade

2 – TVA's existing wind contracts that total more than 1,600 MW are included in this range. Values are nameplate capacity. Net dependable capacity would be lower

3 – TVA has previously announced plans to idle 1,000 MW of coal-fired capacity, which is included in this range. MW values based on maximum net dependable capacity

4 – This is the expected size of a new pumped-storage hydro facility

5 – The completion of Watts Bar Unit 2 represents the lower end of this range

6 – Up to 900 MW of new coal-fired capacity is recommended between 2025 and 2029

7 – The completion of John Sevier combined cycle plant represents the lower end of this range

On March 2, 2011, TVA issued the final Integrated Resource Plan and the associated Environmental Impact Statement. On April 14, 2011, the TVA Board of directors accepted the Integrated Resource Plan and authorized the Chief Executive Officer to use its recommended planning direction as a guide in energy resource planning and selection.

Documents

The final IRP and associated EIS are available in PDF format at the links below. Contact Charles Nicholson at the address below to request a CD or printed copy of the documents.